Mount Tarawera & Waimangu Volcanic Valley by Floatplane

North Island

Volcanic Air

from

NZ$365

per adult

Book Now

Bright blue Inferno Crater Lake emitting geothermal steam

Experiences

Scenic Plane Flights

Hot Springs and Geothermal Attractions

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Rotorua

Duration: 40 minutes

Maximum Weight: 110kg

Details

Scenic Flight Highlights over Rotorua’s Volcanic wonders

Departing from Rotorua’s City Lakefront pier, the thrill of a floatplane takeoff sets the scene for an unforgettable journey. As you ascend over Mokoia Island, the volcanic landscape begins to reveal its striking character. From this vantage point, the hidden lakes and rugged peaks create a truly mesmerising panorama.

At 1,111 metres, Mount Tarawera dominates the horizon and holds the stories of New Zealand’s most dramatic eruption. Flying along the 17 km volcanic rift line, you’ll see cavernous craters carved by the force of 1886. The aerial perspective captures both the beauty and the immense power of this extraordinary mountain.

Floatplane at the jetty with steaming terraces at Orakei Korako, Taupō

Volcanic Air Otter floatplane soaring above the vibrant crater of Mount Tarawera

Passenger’s view from floatplane wing looking down over Mount Tarawera’s volcanic crater

Volcanic Air floatplane flying low over Lake Rotorua on a scenic flight

Aerial view of Lake Tarawera surrounded by native forest during a scenic floatplane flight with Volcanic Air

Geothermal steam vents rising from bush-clad cliffs at Lake Rotomahana

Scenic floatplane view over Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Lake Rotomahana

Wide aerial view of Frying Pan Lake steaming inside Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Volcanic Air floatplane flying over Lake Rotorua with Mokoia Island in the distance

Aerial Views of Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Beyond

Your flight continues with breathtaking views over Waimangu Volcanic Valley, a living landscape shaped by Tarawera’s eruption. From steaming cliffs to the vibrant hues of Inferno Crater, the geothermal features are unlike anywhere else on earth. Frying Pan Lake, the world’s largest hot spring, adds to the valley’s dramatic spectacle.

On the return journey, the floatplane glides above Lake Tikitapu and Lake Rotokākahi, their vivid colours easily distinguishable from above. The route also takes in the Whakarewarewa Forest, Sulfur Bay, and Mt Ngongotaha before gently landing on Lake Rotorua. This seamless blend of natural beauty and geothermal energy makes the experience unforgettable.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Duration: 30 minutes flying (40 minutes total).
Location: All flights depart from Lakefront Drive, Rotorua City Lakefront.
Requirements: This flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares.

Tour duration, flight times, and inclusions may vary due to weather conditions, volcanic activity, and passenger load.

AGE INFORMATION

Adult: 12 years +
Children: 2-11 years
Infant: Under 2 years (free charge)

Passenger Weight: Individual weights must be advised at the time of booking. If an individual passenger weight exceeds 110kgs a surcharge may apply. Any passenger exceeding 135kgs will be required to pay two adult fares.

CANCELLATION & REFUND

Cancel 30+ days before: Full refund**
Cancel 8-30 days before: 25% fee**
Cancel 2-7 days before: 75% fee**
Cancel within 48 hours: No refund.

Note: **Refunds exclude credit card, payment or booking fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

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TOUR QUESTIONS

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